A Prayer in Memory of Pope Francis

There is much that could be said (and will be) about the writings of Pope Francis. Laudato Si’ and his other letters touched the world. But, as St Ignatius said, love is shown more by deeds than by words. So in this time of prayer, you are invited to recall, and to reflect upon, five key scenes from the life and ministry of Pope Francis.

The first scene is when he appeared on the balcony in Rome just after his election. Dressed in a simple white cassock, he greeted the crowds with a smile and “Buonasera”. Then he asked everyone to pray for him, before giving his blessing to the world. Can you picture that moment?

This was to be a Pope who didn’t stand on ceremony. He decided not to live in the papal palace but stay in the simple lodgings he had had during the conclave that elected him. The next day he travelled by bus to go back and pay for his stay during those days. What does this tell you about how Francis saw the office of Pope?

Each year on Maundy Thursday he washed the feet of some of those attending the ceremonies. This Pope, though, didn’t just choose twelve good Catholic men. He washed the feet of women, of Muslims, of prisoners. Hold for a few moments that image of a kneeling Pope washing and kissing the feet of such a variety of people before your mind’s eye.

Halfway through Francis’s time as Pope, the COVID pandemic struck. On a dark rainy night in St Peter’s Square he appeared alone to pray for all those suffering from the virus, those isolated from their loved ones. This was no grand ceremony, but a simple, heartfelt prayer. Take a moment to recall that time, in the context of your own experience of the pandemic.

Francis continued to witness by his deeds to the end. On Palm Sunday 2025, a rather dishevelled figure was wheeled in his chair into St Peter’s. He wore a simple poncho, an open-necked shirt, and rather scruffy trousers. This was one of the Pope’s last public appearances, as a Jubilee Year pilgrim, one of tens of thousands who will visit the basilica to pray in these months. The Jubilee Year is a year of hope. What hopes do these images of Pope Francis stir in your mind and heart?

As this time of prayer draws to a close, remember for a while your own favourite image of Pope Francis. Speak to God about what his witness has meant to you. And, as he asked on the day of his election, remember to say a prayer for him too.